Water Wise and Sustainable Practice On Farm Event
A look at our first CLA Cymru on farm event dedicated to water management on farm, provided some great learning insights for all involved.
Water Wise Event: Enhancing Sustainability in Welsh Farming
This month, CLA Cymru hosted our first "Water Wise" event at Llangasty Village Hall, Brecon. This event was a cornerstone in our ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable farming practices and enhancing water quality across Wales. The gathering attracted numerous local farmers, all eager to gain insights and share their experiences regarding water management.
The event featured a series of live demonstrations and expert presentations designed to equip farmers with practical strategies for water management.
Attendees witnessed cutting-edge research trials conducted in collaboration with Aberystwyth University, showcasing the latest techniques in water infiltration. They also learned about natural interventions to manage flood risks effectively, including innovative strategies to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. Experts outlined upcoming improvements aimed at further enhancing water management on farms, ensuring attendees are well-prepared for future challenges. Techniques for identifying high-risk areas and implementing effective mitigation activities were demonstrated, providing farmers with actionable insights.
Best practices for balancing nutrient input and crop needs were discussed, with a focus on optimising fertiliser use to protect water quality. Attendees gained an understanding of how to utilise real-time data from weather stations and additional sensors for informed farm management decisions. The event also showcased evaluations of soil water infiltration using different agricultural forages, part of a collaboration with IBERS (Aberystwyth University). Sustainable practices for carbon sequestration on farms were presented, highlighting ongoing efforts as part of the European Innovation Project on Carbon.
Experts on hand to advise
The event featured a roster of distinguished speakers who provided invaluable insights into various aspects of water management:
- Hugh Martineau from the Beacons Water Group discussed sustainable farming practices and their impact on water quality.
- Rhun Bychan from IBERS presented the Developing Productive Buffers project, showcasing practical applications for farmers.
- Nigel Elgar from Dwr Cymru shared insights on water quality initiatives and ongoing projects, and Lee Price from Farming Connect presented available grants and funding opportunities for farmers.
- Farming Connect were also there to support with funding advice on grants available
Farmers who attended the event left with a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies to implement on their farms. The hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance were particularly appreciated, as they provided concrete examples of successful water management practices.
"Water Wise was a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in our rural communities. By bringing together experts and farmers, we are fostering a sustainable future for Welsh agriculture. The practical strategies shared at this event will undoubtedly help our members enhance their water management practices, ensuring a positive impact on our environment."
Ongoing Water Wise Partnerships
As part of our ongoing commitment to improving water quality, CLA Cymru is excited to continue our partnership with Dwr Cymru. We will working together to create events that review water management practices on farms alongside rural challenges, identifying areas for improvement and implementing effective solutions.
The Water Wise event marked a significant step forward in our efforts to educate and inform about water quality and promote sustainable farming practices in Wales. As we look to the future, CLA Cymru remains committed to supporting our members with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to thrive in a changing environment.
For more information and to get involved, please contact CLA Cymru at wales@cla.org.uk or visit our website.
